‘Leading Russia a sacred duty’: Putin takes oath for record fifth presidential term – Times of India
NEW DELHI: Vladimir Putin took oath for a new term of five years as the president of Russia in a lavish Kremlin inauguration ceremony on Tuesday. He has eliminated his political rivals, initiated a devastating conflict in Ukraine, and consolidated all power under his control.
He began his fifth term in a ceremony that was boycotted by the United States and many Western countries due to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Putin, who has been in office for nearly 25 years since 1999 and is the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, will remain in power at least until 2030, with the option to run for another six years as per the constitution of Russia.
During the inauguration ceremony, Putin told officials that leading Russia is a “sacred duty”, and that Russia will emerge “stronger” after “difficult” period.
“We will pass through this difficult period with dignity and become even stronger,” Putin said, adding: “We are a united and great nation, and together we will overcome all obstacles, realise everything we have planned, and together, we will win.”
In a short speech, Putin also said that Russia was open to developing relations with other countries he described as “the world’s majority”.
“Russia’s state system must be resistant to any threats and challenges,” he said.
(With inputs from agencies)